OBITUARY

Jonathan Stuart Allen

December 16, 1950 – March 18, 2012

It is with great sadness that the family of Jonathan Stuart Allen announces his passing after a brief period of cardiac instability. Jonathan died on March 18, 2012. He was 61 years old.
Born into the community surrounding Deep River Friends Meeting, Jonathan devoted himself from an early age to the things he loved: his family, his friendships, learning, and the land. In his youth, he was a committed member of 4H and his Meeting’s Youth Fellowship. He attended Ragsdale High School, where he served as president of his senior class, captain of the football team, a member of the wrestling team, and part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It was here that he connected with the first and only love of his life, Anita Armfield Allen, who was his wife of 41 years.
Jonathan received what is now the Morehead-Cain Scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later attended North Carolina State University with Anita and earned a Bachelors of Science in Ornamental Horticulture. During this time, he became very active in peace and social justice movements—a commitment that extended throughout his life in his personal relationships, his business practices, and his service to New Garden and Deep River Friends Meetings. At Deep River, he was Clerk of Ministry and Council, an elder, and a Sunday School teacher.
In 1983, Jonathan founded Deep River Landscapes, a corporation that specialized in custom residential and corporate landscapes. Jonathan grew Deep River Landscapes for over 24 years. More recently, he worked at Tanglewood Park in Winston Salem and owned Sheffield Gardens, a small community-sponsored farm in Mocksville that he had great hopes of expanding.
Jonathan was deeply loved and will be deeply missed by Anita; their daughter, Sylvan; and their son-in-law, Angus Bennett, both of Greensboro, NC. He was also adored by his mother, Florence Allen; his sister, Barbara Bell; his brother, Dan Allen; sisters-in-law Paulette Britt and Mary Allen; brother-in-law, Eddie Britt; a host of nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.
A generous, kind soul who was always quick with a laugh, Jonathan’s short and lovely life will be honored in a celebration at Deep River Friends Meeting on Friday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Sheffield-Callahan Volunteer Fire Department (Attention: Teresa Campbell, 581 Abbeydale Road, Harmony, NC, 28634).
Please share your condolences with the family at www.sechrestfunerals.com

REMEMBERING

Jonathan Stuart Allen

Aaron Greene

September 10, 2012

Not a day goes by that I don't go to work and walk through those doors in the morning and think of Johnathan. I picture him smiling or eager to tell me his latest joke as he greeted me. He always talked about how much he loved his wife and his family. It's been 5 months and I still miss him deeply. Though I only knew him a few years he was a great friend and I will always miss you Johnathan.

Nelle Fagan Parlier

May 19, 2012

Who could ever reflect back the the RHS Class of 1969, and not remember the beautiful budding romance of Anita and Jonathan? Jonathan, handsome, kind and witty.....not afraid to be who he was and take a stand for the things he believed in and always, the woman he loved standing by him. What a gift to this earthly life, God has given. May he rest peacefully in the presence of our Lord. Anita, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

April 20, 2012

Anita,

I always remember you and Jonathan walking the halls at RHS and he was always only one step behind you if not beside you..as he will always be...hold tight the memories...

Terri Duke

March 30, 2012

Dear Anita and family...I have very fond memories of Jonathan growing up in Deep River with my son Bob Hardin. He was a delight to know. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Jim and Anne Ellis

March 26, 2012

Anita,

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of your husband and I suspect your best friend. Please know you and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers.

To, The Allen Family,We are deeply saddened at the loss of your loved one, Johnathan. We were unable to attend the full memorial service, but were able to visit and share with some of the family members afterwards. Please know that our prayers are with you during this time of grief. John & Jean Coleman

Trudy McDade Payne

March 24, 2012

Anita and Family- I was so sorry to learn about Jonathan. You were such a special couple at Ragsdale. I hope that time will help to heal your heart. Just know that His love will always be with you. Thinking of you at this sad time.

Rossie Gardner

March 24, 2012

Dear Florence and family. I am truly sorry for your grief. However, I know you take pride in the fact that Jonathan was a kind loving and generous person who loved his God and family beyond words. Thankfully, all sorrow yields to time. God Bless

March 24, 2012

To Anita A. Allen and Danny Allen: I am so sorry that you lost Jonathan at such a young age. I'm not at all surprised to read about what a terrific guy he was, as he was like that when I first met him in seventh grade and he was in eighth. My heart goes out to you both, and your family for losing such a great soul who lived among you. You will all be in my prayers for healing and comfort. Sincerely,Janet Ameen-Lee (originally from Jamestown, NC)

Sandy Van Horn Hill

March 24, 2012

Anita, I have wonderful memories of you and Jonathan being so nice in high school. I am so sorry for your loss. When I think of you two,I always think 'what a Love Story!' Prayers for your family.

Greg Wolfe

March 24, 2012

My deepest condolences to Anita and the family. Jonathan was the pillar of our senior class. He was kind, loving, and gracious to everyone he met. He was a great person, always willing to help and instruct. I feel honored to have known him in school and counted him as friend.

Greg Wolfe

March 23, 2012

Dear Family, Norman and I met Jonathan at a meeting of the Guilford County Bee Keepers. Norman became his mentor and we visited his home several times. He was such a pleasant person to know. It is so sad to hear of his passing and our sympathy goes out to you all at this time. You are in our thoughts and our prayers. Norman and Judy Faircloth

Betty Lewis

March 23, 2012

Dear Allen Family, I am so sorry to hear of Jonathan's passing. Please know I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry Whicker

March 23, 2012

Dear Anita,I am so sorry to hear of Jonathan's passing. My prayers are with you and your family during these difficult days.2 Cor. 5:6-8. May His words encourage you.Larry Whicker

Linda Richardson

March 23, 2012

Dear Barbara please know that you are in my thoughts. Jonathan had a wonderful life, cherish the memories.

Love and prayers Linda Butler Richardson

Cathy Stepp

March 23, 2012

Dear Anita, Sylvan, Florence, Barbara, Dan and Family,

I was saddened to her about Jonathan passing away. I am praying for you all and think of you often. He was always such a wonderful, kind and friendly person while growing up at Deep River. I always remember his love for his entire family, the world around him and simplistic things. My Grandmother Beck always spoke highly of your family and loved you all. I pray God will place his loving arms around you and give you comfort during the next days, weeks and months ahead. May you continue to have and cherish the wonderful memories of a wonderful man. Love to you all, Cathy Coleman Stepp

March 23, 2012

Dear Anita,I am so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your husband, Jonathan. I am sure this is one of the most difficult times of your life right now. I am thinking of you and pray that your most cherished memories of your beloved lovingly support you as you face each moment of the coming days........Leslie Gains(Greensboro)

Sue Harris

March 23, 2012

Anita and Sylvan, we were so saddened to learn of Jonathan's death. We have fond memories of the children growing up and sharing fun times at your home. You and Jonathan, Anita, were wonderful role models.Pease know you have our heartfelt sympathy and deepest affection. Love, Sue Harris, Chip and Kelly

March 23, 2012

Dear Anita and Sylvan,Betsy and are vey sorry to hear about the passing of Jonathan.We developed many projects together and I was always pleased when Jonathan was on the job . I have many enjoyed memories over the years.He will be sorely missed.Betsy and Heath Carrier

Virginia Moser

March 23, 2012

Deasr Anita and family, We just learned of Jonathan's death and an so sorry. We miss you here @ work and I want you to know you will be in my prayers. Please know you are very loved.

Bonnie Miller

March 23, 2012

Anita, I am so sorry to hear about Jonathan. Please extend my sympathy to your family. May Jonathan's memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

March 23, 2012

Anita and Family, we were so sorry to learn of Jonathan's passing. We worked with him so many years and our home is surrounded by his handiwork. What a special gift he had and a loving spirit.Our heartfelt sympathy to you all. Milton and Janice Kirkland

March 22, 2012

Anita, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Praying that you and your family will be comforted by God's peace and love. Vonda Pabon (High Point,NC)

Deborah Britt

March 22, 2012

I am so sad for the loss of Jonathan, my kind and gentle uncle. He was a nurturing, stable father, loving and devoted husband and so many more beautiful things to so many people..My deepest sympathy and love go out to Anita, Sylvan, his mother, siblings and other family members..I am so sorry for your great loss. Please know my love and thoughts are with you during this difficult time of grief and heartache.

Peg Parham

March 22, 2012

Dear Anita, Sylvan, Florence, and Angus,My heart goes out to all of you. I know your sadness is enormous, and I wish so much that I could make it better somehow. What a wonderful man we have all lost! Jonathan was a quiet but powerful presence always, strong and supportive, soft in all the right ways, a "peaceful warrior" for all that's right and good. We will all miss him terribly. May you be comforted by your cherished memories and the love of family and friends. Much love to all of you.

Diana Wall Page

March 22, 2012

Anita,I was so sorry to learn of Jonathan's passing. I have so many fond memories of both of you in high school. My heart goes out to you and your family and you are in my prayers. May God's love and peace comfort you all.

March 22, 2012

Anita and family, it was with great sorrow that I learned of your loss, our loss. My memories of Jonathan will always be a treasure. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time and know that we will see him again. Greatest regards, BJ Barnes

Phil Smith

March 22, 2012

Jonathan's life was the example to me of what it means to be both strong willed and yet soft hearted. His early concern for the peace movement and social justice showed me what it meant to really work and commit to a cause. I gauge my own self will today by his example, as a teenager. We should all strive to believe in and work for our own causes to the utmost of our abilities, and would still be only half of the man Jonathan was..

March 22, 2012

Anita, Sylvan, Florence and Family,We were so saddended to hear about Jonathan. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.Sincerely,Larry and Betty StevensSusi Stevens Hudson

Nancy Fortney

March 22, 2012

Dear Anita,I am so sorry for your loss. Even though we lost touch over the years, both oy you were good friends and kind souls at Ragsdale. Jonathan had such a sweet yet commanding presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bill Edwards

March 22, 2012

Anita & Family,My RHS memories of Jonathan are filled with positive experiences and admiration for his kind and gental nature. And what a role model and competitor he was!

Anita, please know that I share your sorrow and lift you in my heart. I feel honored to have known you both.

william gordon

March 22, 2012

Florence, Barbara, Danny, and Anita. Was shocked to read of Jonathan's untimely passing. We always think that the younger will outlive us. Know a great part of your lives will be missing and that he will be missed by many. Nancy and Phillip Gordon, Fulton Missouri

Diana Clark

March 22, 2012

So sorry for the passing of classmate Jonathan. Love to his family and friends. Sincerely, Diana Clark

Tracey Pierce

March 22, 2012

Anita and Sylvan and Family,

Words can not begin to express my saddness of Jonathan's passing. My sympathy goes out to the family. He will truly be missed. Love to allTracey Koontz Pierce

Gwen Taylor

March 22, 2012

Dan, Barbara, and family, I am saddened to learn of Jonathan's passing. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.

March 22, 2012

Anita and family, Bruce & I are so saddened to hear of Jonathan's passing. Our prayers are for you and Sylvan to feel the Peace of God, I know Jonathan is with Him. Love, Donna Dillon

Kelly Clonts

Brenda cromer

March 21, 2012

Anita and Family...I am so sorry for the loss of Jon. He was a wonderful person, husband, father, son and friend. I can just see him now..."skipping" down the streets of gold telling the gardner..."NO"...those go over here...So, so sorry for your loss. It is a loss to so many people.We the Class of 1969 of Ragsdale High School will miss him and his warm smile! Love and prayers

Becky McMahan

March 21, 2012

Dear Anita and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jonathan's sudden passing. I haven't seen either of you since high school but remember how much you loved each other.And what a cute couple you were.. My heart goes out to you and your family.. Praying for you....Becky Samues McMahan

Alicia Riley Culler

March 21, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jim Kimmel

March 21, 2012

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Jonathan's passing!!I knew him from Quaker Lake camp as a fellow camper and staff member back in the 60'sI believe it was Jonathan who devised a clever little sign which he posted in the algae infested lake where we all swam in those days...... the sign read "please do not walk on the HOLY WATER" lol,kind regards,Jim Kimmelformerly from New Garden Friends, Greensboronow living in West Chester,Ohio

Kelly Clonts

March 21, 2012

So sorry to hear the news. We love Jonathan dearly and thinking of you all during this time. Memories are flooding our thoughts and hearts that will stay with us forever. Please stay in touch. Kelly (Harrison) & Charles Clonts

Bobby Underwood

March 21, 2012

Dear Anita, I'm so sorry to hear of Jonathan's passing. Although I haven't seen you folks for many years, I remember how much love you had for each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Fran Pollock

March 21, 2012

Dear Allen Family: Lou and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We want to extend our deepest sympathies. Fran Pollock

Shirley Garis

March 21, 2012

Anita:Was so sorry to hear of the passing of Johathan. I still remember him as a child. He was a wonderful and great person. He always left a ray of sunshine in everyone he met, and he did me. God has received a great person, and he will be remembered by all who knew him

tom ozment

Christopher Weavil

March 21, 2012

Dear Allen Family,I was deeply saddened to hear of Jonathan's sudden passing. As a friend and co-worker of Jonathan at Tanglewood, I looked forward to seeing him each day due to his kindness and general overall positive outlook on everything. As a horticulturist as well I was always amazed at the depth of Jonathans knowledge of all things plant and animal related. Jonathan will be missed by all of his friends and co-workers at Tanglewood as he was an inspiration us all.With my deepest sympathy,

Jonell & James Lewis

March 21, 2012

Dear Family, We met Jonathan through our daughter Arleen and our son Alan helped to build your home and has been working there recently. He touched their lives in a special way and has left wonderful memories.So sorry to hear of his sudden leaving you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely with love, Jonell and James Lewis,

Arleen 'Lewis' McGinn

March 21, 2012

Dear Anita,

I am so sad to hear of Jonathan's passing. He did landscape work at several of my past residences and was always such a pleasure to work with. My brother, Alan Lewis, and our family have enjoyed getting to know you and Jonathan when you moved to 'their neck of the woods'. My sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Bob Hardin

March 20, 2012

So very sorry to hear of Jonathan's passing. My sympathy goes out to all of the family. I have been thinking of all the good times we had growing up at Deep River and our yearly trips to summer camp at Quaker Lake. I will keep the family in my prayers.

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